Wembley food factory fire "started in pastry department"

FORTY firefighters are fighting a blaze at an evacuated food factory in Park Royal.

The fire broke out at 9.50am at 268 Abbeydale Road, one of four neighbouring buildings owned by Katsouris Fresh Foods, where a total of 480 employees worked.

Part of the Icelandic Bakkavör Group, the firm supplies ready meals, ethnic snacks and dips to supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury's.

Eight fire engines - including Wembley and Willesden - were scrambled to tackle the flames and the road is sealed off.

GMB union organiser Hiten Vaiyda told the Observer: "I heard the fire started from the filo pastry department. They took all the employees out and told them to stay away. All are safe."

A spokeswoman for Bakkavör Group said: "Katsouris Fresh Foods can confirm that a fire has broken out in one of its units at its Abbeydale site.

"Our emergency procedures were immediately put into action with all employees being evacuated quickly and safely and there have been no injuries. The emergency services are making every effort to contain the fire.

"Katsouris would like to take this opportunity to thank the local police and the emergency services for their swift assistance.

"We cannot provide any further information at this time whilst this incident is being dealt with.”